India beats Zimbabwe by 54 runs in 1st T20

India is just one win off a clean sweep tour of Zimbabwe, after beating the hosts by 54 runs in the first of two Twenty20s.

India beat Zimbabwe by 54 runs in their first Twenty20, leaving them just a win away from a complete sweep on the limited-overs tour.

India, who won the one-day series 3-0, posted 5-178 batting first at Harare Sports Club on Friday with contributions from stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane (33), fellow opener Murali Vijay (34), and 39 not out from Robin Uthappa.

Seamer Chris Mpofu took 3-33 after being called into Zimbabwe, the only bowler to have an impact.

Hamilton Masakadza (28) and Chamu Chibhabha (23) combined for a 55-run opening stand for Zimbabwe in the chase, but recalled offspinner Harbhajan Singh removed Chibhabha and Charles Coventry, and Zimbabwe struggled after suddenly being 5-82.

Axar Patel took three for 17 and Zimbabwe finished on 7-124 in its 20 overs.

The second T20, the final game of the tour, is on Sunday.